Astros reportedly among teams interested in James Paxton

The Houston Astros had one of the best starting rotations in MLB history this season, but they are still exploring ways to improve it heading into 2019.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Astros are among the teams who have inquired about potentially trading for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton.

#Astros on list of teams talking to #Mariners about a trade for LHP James Paxton, sources say. Market described as “active,” including HOU, NYY and a wide variety of other clubs. Paxton in his career against HOU: 2.89 ERA in 71 2/3 innings, .605 opponents’ OPS.

Paxton, 30, has a career ERA of 3.42. He was 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 28 starts with Seattle this season, and he is still under team control for two more years. While he has a lengthy injury history, the Astros and New York Yankees are both said to have interest in him. That’s good news for the Mariners.

In any other season, the Astros may have repeated as World Series champions. The Boston Red Sox were simply too good, and Alex Bregman shed some light on just how good he felt the 2018 Houston team was. Players have to like the idea of management trying to make big improvements even after winning 103 games.